Conversations On Grief
Someone you love has died and you’re looking for support but can’t find a grief support group that fits into your busy schedule. Or perhaps you don’t feel comfortable grieving in front of others; you’d prefer the comfort of your own home. And especially in these times of social distancing, webinars offer a way to connect with others who are grieving. Our webinar Conversations On Grief may be the support solution you’re looking for.
Our webinar offers monthly online access to grief support and education through your phone, computer or mobile device. From the comfort of your home, you’re welcome to participate without having to deal with traffic, long distances or childcare. Grief is a journey. It is our sincere hope that during each webinar you’ll find comfort, compassion, understanding, and encouragement as you heal.
Conversations On Grief webinars are facilitated by Bereavement Counselor, Mary Piatt, Director of Volunteer and Bereavement Services, Nancy McCranie, and Bereavement Coordinator, Esmeralda Huerta . Conversations On Grief webinars are offered the 3rd Thursday of the month from 11 am to 12 pm. You’re welcome to attend one, several or all webinars.
Mary Piatt, LPC-Associate – Mary went back to school in her fifties and started her work with Hospice Austin as a counseling intern during the pandemic. After graduating from St. Edward’s University and passing her licensure exam, Mary became a part-time employee at Hospice Austin in January 2022. She works with bereavement clients and support groups. When not working, Mary likes to do projects around her house and play in her garden. She and her husband, Dennis, have two sons, two daughters, and two cats.
Nancy McCranie, M.Div – Nancy began working for Hospice Austin as a chaplain in 1996. Since 2009 she has served as the Director of Volunteer and Bereavement Services and is a frequent speaker for area groups, leading discussions about end-of-life issues and the process of grieving a loss. Nancy is an ordained minister with the Presbyterian Church (USA) and holds a M.Div. degree from Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary. Nancy is married to Sheldon, an organic/bio-dynamic farmer and rancher who raises blueberries and beef. They have two sons, three dogs, two cats, and a donkey.
Finding Movement Within the Paralysis of Grief
Thursday, April 17th, 2025, 11am until noon
The experience of grief can leave you with little energy or motivation to draw upon as you face tremendous loss and the multitude of emotions and logistical tasks that go with it. You are grieving yet you still must pay the bills. You feel deep emotions, yet you also feel numb. During this webinar you will learn how to make space for both stillness and movement as you navigate your unique grief experience.
Help! I’m Starting to Feel Better
Thursday, May 15th, 2025, 11am until noon
In the early part of our grief journey, we don’t see how it’s possible to ever feel happy again. And when we do feel a moment of joy or happiness, feelings of guilt, remorse and shame often follow close behind.
Over time however we can learn to invite joy back into our life. We begin to truly feel that our loved one wants us to be happy and that our happiness is an important expression of the love we shared.
During this webinar you’ll learn that feeling better is not a betrayal of your loved one nor does it minimize the importance of your relationship. We will share tips on how to engage in your life without feeling as if you are forgetting them or moving away from them.
How to Recover from Loss
Thursday, June 19th, 2025, 11am until noon
Recognizing our ability as humans to find resilience in the face of tremendous grief is key to recovering from loss.
The death of a loved one most certainly breaks you open but it doesn’t have to break you apart. If we allow ourselves to feel the depth of our grief, we will also have a chance to know ourselves and others on a deeper and more compassionate level.
In this webinar you will learn to trust and use your capacity to survive the loss of a loved one.
.
Grief, Guilt and Self-Forgiveness
Thursday, July 17th, 2025, 11am until noon
When we are grieving feelings of guilt or regret are common and can feel overwhelming.
These feelings demand and deserve acknowledgement and exploration. It is important to reflect honestly on the feelings and to identify the roots beneath them.
In this webinar you’ll learn how to soften the grip of guilt and use it to reveal what you most value in the face of heartbreak.
.
Buckle Up: The Emotional Roller Coaster of Grieving
Thursday, August 21st, 2025, 11am until noon
The experience of grief can feel like being on a roller coaster. Key steps to surviving such a painful and rough ride are adjusting expectations, developing coping strategies, and choosing how to experience your grief.
It’s also important to recognize that the ups and downs of grief are normal and healthy.
Join us to learn what we know about grief, how to exercise choice when possible, and how to lean into the unexpected and unwelcome parts.
.
Stigmas, Myths and Misconceptions
Thursday, September 18th, 2025, 11am until noon
What are the stigmas, myths, and misconceptions surrounding grief? Which ones have impacted you? Are these beliefs and expectations helpful and compassionate?
Each person has the right to define their own grief experience. Although grief is a deeply personal experience, healing comes from exploring and talking about it in an open and non-judgmental environment.
There’s Nothing Wrong With You, How to Continue Living When You’re Heartbroken
Thursday, October 16th, 2025, 11am until noon
As humans we are hardwired to connect with one other and to grieve when we experience a loss. Grief has no timetable, roadmap or instruction book, and unfortunately, we cannot fast-forward through the pain.
However, by honoring and experiencing your grief, you can find healing, joy, forgiveness, and hope.
Join us to talk about the effects that grief has on our brain, what the experience of grief can reveal, and how we can find our way through it.
How to Grieve, Decorate, and Deep Fry Your Turkey
Thursday, November 20th, 2025, 11am until noon
As fall arrives and the holidays begin to stack up, you may find yourself wishing you could go into hibernation until after Valentine’s Day.
In this webinar we will discuss how to survive the holidays with a broken heart by sifting out what is important and making a plan that works for you.
Anxiety: An Unexpected Element of Grief
Thursday, December 18th, 2025, 11am until noon
The death of a loved one can bring anxiety in many forms—whether it’s new feelings of unease or an increase in existing worries. Anxiety can be unnerving, uncomfortable, and makes the grief process that much more challenging.
Whether anxiety is new to you or a familiar struggle, the death of a loved one can bring overwhelming feelings of fear and unease. It can even intensify the worries you already carry.
Join us to learn why anxiety is a common part of grief and how to work through it.
For questions, please call Hospice Austin’s Bereavement Department: 512-342-4700.